With seven starts in the books, the Red-and-White defender is going for more

June 27, 2014

Olivia Cervantes

cdchivasusa.com

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Growing up in Tucson, Ariz., Donald Toia was exposed to several sports including basketball and baseball. Although he enjoyed playing different sports, his true love, and the one he excelled in, was soccer, sport he began playing since the age of four. With the help and support from his parents, coaches, and his own effort and dedication, “Donny’s” hard work paid off, earning his first professional contract with Real Salt Lake back in 2011.

Although excited to become a professional soccer player, the defender’s opportunity to make his professional debut didn’t come until he signed with Chivas USA ahead of the 2014 Major League Soccer season. On March 30, just four games into the season, Toia was called up to make his debut by coming onto the match for a then-injured Tony Lochhead.

Even though the Red-and-White defender’s debut came at an unfortunate time for his teammate, it was the experience and opportunity that he long-awaited and worked for. Since then, Toia has been consistently adding minutes and experience, playing eight games, seven as a starter, and inclusively starting in one of the most important games of the season a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy.

“I think it just comes down to working really hard, showing the coaching staff what you’re made of,” the 22-year-old defender said. “At the same time, we had two injuries that you can’t really do much about, but for a player like me, coming off the bench, or sometimes not even on the 18 (man roster); you just have to have the right mindset and just give your 100 percent. At the time, you just have to be doing what you’ve been doing your whole life and play the game because you love it and no other reason.”

In his first year as a professional, Toia has successfully adjusted to a new team and League. Although the Arizona native has been working hard every day in training, he credits the advice of his experienced teammates such as international defender Carlos Bocanegra, goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, Bobby Burling and Lochhead.

“All those guys have helped out so much, it’s unreal. You see these guys and you don’t think they’ll be doing that but they all help you out as much as possible because they’re out there trying to do the same you are; they’re trying to win games, play the sport you love,” Toia said.

Toia will be looking to continue adding minutes as Chivas USA return to MLS action for the second half of the season hosting Real Salt Lake on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (PT) at the StubHub Center. Fans unable to come out to the stadium can watch the game live on Time Warner Cable Deportes, and can follow all the updates on the club’s official Matchcenter page. For all the latest news and updates on Chivas USA, follow the club on Twitter and Facebook.